A Legacy of Change at CDF Freedom Schools

As we gear up for this year’s CDF Freedom School® at Emmaus House, we’ve been thinking a lot about legacy, and the way that foundations set the tone for all that is to follow.

The seed for CDF Freedom Schools was planted in 1964 during the Mississippi Freedom Summer Project, when college students from around the country traveled to Mississippi to help secure voting rights for Black citizens. They helped by providing instruction in core subjects–reading, writing, math, science–but also subjects that weren’t taught in Mississippi public schools, such as Black history and constitutional rights. They wanted to empower students to become agents of change in their communities by providing–not just information–but context. Not just the what, but the why.

Today, CDF Freedom Schools don’t just provide reading instruction. We utilize a research-based integrated curriculum that prioritizes intergenerational support and mentorship, while helping connect families to resources inside their community. Freedom schools encourage a positive attitude toward learning by providing rich, culturally relevant books that enable children to see themselves as part of a multiracial, multicultural society. They feel connected to the materials they read. Not just how, but why. Literacy meets immediacy.

All of this comes at a critical time for students. During an average summer, children may lose up to two months' worth of learning. This is known as the “summer slide,” and it accounts for more than half of the achievement gap between lower- and higher-income students.

This year, the Emmaus House Freedom School will be held from June 13-July 22 on our campus. In addition to reading enrichment activities, students enjoy swimming, art, yoga, and field trips to area attractions. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided. The program is free and open to students in grades K-8. Space is limited, so enroll today!